Emerald | Green

Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. The word "emerald" comes from Latin smaragdus, its original source being a Semitic word izmargad or the Sanskrit word, marakata, meaning "emerald" or "green".

Emerald is regarded as the traditional birthstone for May, as well as the traditional gemstone for the astrological signs of Taurus, Cancer and sometimes Gemini. In some cultures, the emerald is the traditional gift for the 55th wedding anniversary. It is also used as a 20th and 35th wedding anniversary stone. Also, Ireland is often referred to, especially in America, as the "Emerald Isle".

Spring is a time of new growth and rebirth. And the intense brilliant green of the Emerald, May’s birthstone, is as refreshing to the eyes as a spring garden after a rain. Within it’s depths are often tiny fractures or inclusions, which the French call "jardin," or garden, because of their resemblance to foliage. The Egyptians were known to engrave Emeralds with the symbol for foliage to represent eternal youth, and to bury these jewels with their dead. The ancient Romans associated this gemstone with fertility and rebirth, and dedicated it to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

Some people believe that wearing an Emerald brings wisdom, growth, and patience

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

Get your Birthstone bead! A birthstone (or birthday stone) is a gift of a precious material, that symbolizes the month of birth:

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Why wear Birthstones? European tradition suggests everyone should always wear their birthstone. For the fullest effect, individuals needed to own an entire set of twelve gemstones and rotate them monthly.